When snowball sampling leads to an avalanche of fraudulent participants in qualitative research

Fraudulent research participants create negative consequences for the rigour and soundness of research.

A case study is presented from a qualitative study where the research team believed several fraudulent participants fabricated information during an interview about being a caregiver for a person living with dementia and chronic wounds.

Participants were recruited through a free online research registry. Individual semi-structured interviews were held virtually.

The study was paused after the nurse scientist with qualitative methodology experience identified that participants were giving illogical and repetitive responses across interviews. The team developed a revised screening tool to help reduce fraudulent participants from enrolling in the study. None of the data collected were used for analysis.

Information is provided on how the team dealt with the situation, lessons learned for future studies, and recommendations for gerontological nurse researchers.

Researchers should be aware that some participants are misrepresenting themselves for financial incentives and this can compromise the soundness of findings. Thorough screening tools are one way to identify and prevent fraud.